Hong Kong is no doubt a shopping mecca. Most popular is the Harbour City Estate at the Ocean Terminal where the enormous Tsim Sha Tsui complex is the main tourist attraction. Offering over 700 shops, 50 restaurants, hotels and cinemas the place is a bustling, tempting paradise. The Temple Street Night Market is Hong Kong’s most famous open air market, coming alive after dusk and offering a plethora of souvenirs, merchandise and tempting treats.
Hong Kong Island is the commercial hub, famous for The Peak, Stanley markets, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Harbour and Jumbo floating restaurant. The main tourist area of Kowloon Peninsula is packed with restaurants and pubs along famous streets such as Temple Street, Nathan Road and Golden Mile. Lan Kwan Fong is packed with discos, pubs and bars and offers fantastic nightlife.
Victoria Peak provides the best view of Hong Kong with the Peak Tram the best way to get there. Other tourist attractions include a Star Ferry trip around the harbour, tram ride through the streets of Wanchai and a visit to outlying islands such as Lamma and Lantau.
There are many packages available to this bustling yet cosmopolitan city. The relative short flight time from Australia means short break packages are popular such as a four night shopping festival or a 5 star Hong Kong quick break with many free extras thrown in such as hotel upgrades, free shuttle services and discount food vouchers.
P&O Cruises offer all inclusive cruises on board the luxury appointed Oriana from Sydney or Brisbane to Hong Kong. Check with your travel agent for sailing times.
Package deals to Hong Kong are offered by Flight Centre with bonus extras such as a free night and Hong Kong Island tour with Peak Tram.
Many online travel agents have package deals to Hong Kong such as Driveaway, Australian Sports Tours or you can find hotel packages direct with many of the city’s finest hotels such as the Langham Place Hotel.
Major travel agencies such as Harvey World Travel, Flight Centre and Jetset offer seasonal package deals to Hong Kong.
Qantas offers a Hong Kong Shopping Festival tour designed to allow tourists to indulge in non stop shopping; the deal includes return economy airfares, four nights’ accommodation, Hong Kong Island tour and late check out.
Online Travel Corporation has five night package getaways to Hong Kong with options to add day tours.
Hong Kong health and safety information
There is no specific health risks associated with travel to Hong Kong although travellers should take precautions against mosquito bites as there is a risk of dengue fever. Medical insurance is advised. Cases of bird flu have been reported and although the risk for travellers is low, all close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked.